Electronic device

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a modular electronic device, in particular a portable device, more in particular a handheld device, said modular electronic device comprising a chassis comprising a frame holding a computational module comprising a circuit board holding a data processor, and a display module comprising a planar display device having a viewing side and a rear side, said display module comprising a back plate on the rear side of the display device, wherein said frame further comprises a frame attachment part and said back plate comprises a display attachment part for allowing said display module to be attached to said frame in a sliding manner in a sliding direction in-plane of said planar display device, and said frame comprising a frame lock part and said display module comprising a display lock part for in a mutually locked position locking said frame and said display module onto one another, blocking said sliding, and in a mutually released position allowing sliding of said display module and said frame with respect to one another for allowing removal of said display module from said frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/580,837, filed onDec. 8, 2017, which is the US national phase of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2016/063232, filed on Jun. 9, 2016, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/173,461, filed onJun. 10, 2015, and EP Application No. 15171332.8, filed Jun. 10, 2015,the entire contents of each of which being fully incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an electronic device, and modular units for anelectronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current trend in electronic devices, like in particular mobilephones that became “smartphones” and electronic devices like “tablets”,is to make these devices as compact as possible. This has led to furtherintegration of components of these electronic devices. Integration ofcomponents at first led to less failure. When looking for instance attelevisions, this is evident.

Many devices, like the already mentioned mobile phones and tablets, havemany parts that remain vulnerable to damage, in particular because ofthe mobile, hand-held nature of these electronic devices. Displaysshatter or break, plugs break, microphones and speakers attract dirt anddust and break down. Further and further integration however make itmore and more impossible to repair these electronic devices, despite theincreasing costs of these high-tech devices.

Another trend in electronic devices, and in particular in mobile phones,tablets and other hand-held devices, is the improvement of performance.

The applicant is a social enterprise with the goal of creating a fairereconomy. Applicant seeks to open up supply chains to understand howthings are made and build stronger connections between people and theirproducts. The electronic devices that are developed by the applicantserve to uncover production systems, address challenging problems andstimulate discussions about what is truly fair. Thus, leading by exampleto expand the market for ethical products and giving a voice toconsumers that care about social values. Together with a communityformed, applicant wants to change the way products are made. To thatend, applicant defined five core action areas:

Mining: Applicant wants to source materials that support localeconomies, not armed militias.

Design: Focusing on longevity and reparability to extend the phone'susable life and give buyers more control over their products.

Manufacturing: Factory workers deserve safe conditions, fair wages andworker representation. Applicant works closely with manufacturers thatwant to invest in

employee wellbeing.

Life Cycle: Applicant addresses the full lifespan of mobile phones,including use, reuse and safe recycling.

Social Entrepreneurship: Applicant works to create a new economy with afocus on social values. By operating transparently and sharing thestory, applicant is helping

consumers make informed decisions about what they buy.

Recently, an initiative called “phonebloks” was launched, which isfurther developed in a project called “Ara”. It presented a concept of amodular mobile phone having various blocks that attach to a base. Nodetailed embodiment was presented, however. It seems to relate torectangular, functional blocks that are all plugged into a commonbreadboard.

US2014252779 according to its abstract described a locking arrangementconfigured to attach to each other a body part of an electronic deviceand a cover part of the electronic device. The locking arrangementincludes an elongated locking part configured to be mounted inside thebody part. The locking part is configured to be movable between an openposition and a closed position inside the body part and the locking partextends along most of the length of one edge of the body part. In theclosed position the locking part engages the cover part thereby couplingthe cover part and the body part together.

US2006099837 according to its abstract described a metal mobile phonecase. The metal mobile phone case has an upper housing and a lowerhousing. Sliding-slots are on two sides of the upper housing.Sliding-blocks corresponding to the sliding-slots are on two sides ofthe lower housing. By inserting the sliding-blocks into thesliding-slots, the upper housing and the lower housing are assembled.The lower housing further has an antenna cavity and a battery cavity. Byplacing an antenna cover and a battery cover on the antenna cavity andthe battery cavity respectively, the upper housing and the lower housingcan further be secured.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,564 according to its abstract described amodularized electronic system for packaging and assembling one or moreelectronic module assemblies comprising at least one external enclosurecase having one internal room for module mounting. The externalenclosure case further comprises at least one upper case assembly andone lower case assembly for clamping the electronic modules in between.Each electronic module comprises a module head and a substantiallyrectangular module body. The module head further comprises a rigidmodule connector on its bottom vertically plugged in a receptacle on thelower case assembly. The module body further comprises a substantiallyflat top end and bottom end and is clamped between upper and lower caseassemblies whereby the module assembly can be easily installed orremoved by hand without using tools. The internal mounting mechanism ofthe system greatly simplifies the mounting mechanisms of both theinternal modules and the external enclosure case and allows completemodularization of a portable computer system.

US2014329570 according to its abstract described an exemplary wirelesscommunication device includes a circuit board, a metal board, and adisplay module. The circuit board includes two groups of connectingterminals. The metal board is located on the circuit board and includestwo metal bodies. The display module is located on the metal board. Onemetal body is electronically connected to one group of connectingterminals. The other metal body is electronically connected to the othergroup of connecting terminals.

US2011255218 according to its abstract described systems and methods forcover assembly retention of a portable electronic device. In someembodiments, a cover assembly and/or housing of an electronic device caninclude one or more retention features such as detents, hooks, tabs,extensions, screw plates, screw holes, shuttles, latches, or anycombination of the above, for retaining the cover assembly to thehousing. In some embodiments, one or more retention features can beincluded on a internal platform of the electronic device to retain thecover assembly. In some embodiments, a hidden screw feature can beincluded in a SIM tray slot of the electronic device. Once a SIM trayhas been inserted into the SIM tray slot, the screw feature can behidden from sight and may become unapparent to an end user of theelectronic device.

US2014078708 according to its abstract described a mobile terminalincluding a camera module mounted in a terminal body and configured tocapture an image; a frame mounted onto the terminal body to cover atleast part of the camera module, the frame having a locking hole; and acover coupled to the terminal body to cover the frame. Further, thecover includes a locking hook locked in the locking hole to fix aposition of the frame when the cover is coupled to the terminal body.

WO2004077800 according to its abstract described a compact displaymodule for use in electronic devices, comprising a flat display having afront side with a display surface, and a carrier frame supporting thedisplay. A metal frame is arranged over said front side with an apertureat said display surface, said metal frame having a flat gasket-receivingportion which is parallel to said display surface and extends aroundsaid aperture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the invention to provide an electronic device thatprovides an alternative for known electronic devices. Furthermore oralternatively, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an electronicdevice with improved use, reuse and/or safe recycling. Furthermore oralternatively, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an electronicdevice which can be produced in improved working conditions. Furthermoreor alternatively, it is an aspect of the invention to provide anelectronic device with extended life cycle due to refurbishment, repairand/or upgrading. Furthermore or alternatively, it is an aspect of theinvention to provide an electronic device which requires less naturalresources, in particular during its life cycle.

The invention thus provides a modular electronic device of claim 1.

The applicant came to the conclusion that the replacement cycle ofelectronic devices put a heavy burden on natural resources. Furthermore,applicant came to the conclusion that failure of some minor parts ofelectronic devices nowadays leads to a complete replacement of a device,or specialised repair that requires time, and leads to replacement tointegrated component, which in turn again leads to a heavy burden onnatural resources. This became even more harrowing as many parts requireraw materials that are mined in development countries where miners workunder poor conditions. Applicant was seeking to solve these problems,while still providing electronic devices that appeal to the public,including techno geeks.

In its analysis, applicant found that not all parts and components havethe same failure rate or have the same breakage rate. Furthermore,applicant found that not all components have the same life cycle and/orcycle of technological development. For instance, analysis of theapplicant lead to the insight that for instance parts like a display,camera and the like have a high and faster development rate.

The mobile communication protocols and networking technology, however,develop much slower, in particular the general acceptance andintroduction are results from standardization processes and developrelatively slowly.

Applicant came to the concept of a modular electronic device, which was180 degrees different from the ongoing integration of components.

A next step was to identify the different modules that needed to bedeveloped. Careful analysis of failure statistics, repair practises, andthe like led to a grouping of components into different modules.

Placing components into modules however led to additional and newproblems that were not foreseen earlier. For instance, shielding of amodule became necessary. Providing proper contact between modules becamea new field of problems that needed to be solved.

A further philosophy of the applicant, which further complicated thedesign, was that repair and upgrading of an electronic device should bedone at a low level, if possible at the user side. This would, accordingto the philosophy of the applicant, lead to a further involvement of theusers with his electronic device, and possible involvement andengagement on the side of the user with issues like productioncircumstances, preservation of natural resources, and trade issues. Infact, when providing an electronic device that was build modularly,having modules that could be upgraded individually, modules that couldbe replaced and repaired individually, would make it possible for a useror consumer to make choices regarding their electronic device thatincluded fair trade, preservation of natural resources, equalopportunities, socially responsible production, and the like.

In general, a chassis has an internal framework that supports a man-madeobject in its construction and use. A common example of a chassis is theunderpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame (on which the bodyis mounted). In general, it is a structural part onto which furtherparts are mounted.

In an electronic device the chassis comprises a frame or other internalsupporting structure on which the circuit boards and other electronicsare mounted.

In the absence of a frame, the chassis refers to the circuit boards andcomponents themselves, not the physical structure.

In some known designs, such as for instance older television and radiosets, the chassis is mounted inside a heavy, rigid cabinet. In otherdesigns such as modern computer cases, lightweight covers or panels areattached to the chassis.

A combination of chassis and one or more outer covering parts can bereferred to as an enclosure or a housing.

In an embodiment of the modular electronic device, the displayattachment part comprises a series of hooks having an end part extendingin said sliding direction and said frame attachment part comprisescorresponding hooks extending in said sliding direction and a stopblocking further sliding when said display module is at a coupledposition on said frame.

In an embodiment, the display lock and said frame lock comprise a latchthat is displaceable in a direction that is at an angle with respect tosaid sliding direction for engaging a lock member in said lockedposition and releasing one another in said released position. In anembodiment thereof, said latch is displaceable in a lock direction thatis perpendicular to said sliding direction. In a more particularembodiment, said latch runs on a rail.

Thus, it allows a display module to be attached to a frame by firstsliding it and then locking the display module onto the frame. In thisway, it is possible to assemble and disassemble without using anyadditional tools. With a planar display, it can be connected orreleasably mounted or fixed to one side of the frame.

In an embodiment, the modular electronic device further comprises abattery, snapped onto said frame, wherein said display module comprisesa cam at its rear side engaging said battery for blocking removal ofsaid display module from said frame when said battery is snapped ontosaid frame. In an embodiment, the display module is attached to one sideof the frame, and the battery can be snapped onto the other side of theframe. Thus, the battery can be removed without need to handle thedisplay module. Hot swapping of modules leads to a number ofcomplexities and does not add any significant benefit in the context ofmost consumer electronic devices. Thus, it is beneficial if the displaymodule can not be removed from the chassis or from the frame while thebattery is in place.

In an embodiment, one of said circuit board and said display modulecomprises a first connector end and the other comprises a secondconnector end that is complementary to said first connector end. In anembodiment, the first connector end comprises a series of biased contactpins and a conductive rim surrounding said contact pins, and said secondconnector end comprises a series of conducting patches, positioned for apatch to correspond to a contact pin, and said patches surrounded by aperipheral contact surrounding said contact patches and corresponding tosaid conductive rim, said conductive rim and said peripheral contactprovided for providing part of a Faraday cage around said contact pinsand contact patches when in contact. It was found that a removablemodule in combination with wireless communication may give rise toproblems which may be solved at least partially in this way.

In an embodiment, the back plate of said display module comprises anelectrically conductive plate forming an electromagnetic shielding layerfor providing a common ground for said modular electronic device. In anembodiment, the conductive back plate is from one selected frommagnesium and a magnesium alloy, for providing rigidity to said displaymodule. Furthermore, magnesium is relatively light in weight, yetrelatively strong. Alternatively, another conductive metal may be used,like a stainless steel sheet of an aluminium sheet. It may also bepossible to combine these metals.

In an embodiment, the modules comprise a housing comprising a frontcover and a rear cover, with said rear cover comprising anelectromagnetic (EMI) shielding layer comprising a contact endcontacting said common ground. In an embodiment, the at least one of thecover parts are made from a polymer composition. Often, a composition athermoplastic material is used. In an embodiment, the polymercomposition is selected from one or more of acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP),polyester, like for instance polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon,polycarbonate (PC), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyetherether ketone (PEEK),and the like. These polymers and their use are all known to a skilledperson.

In an embodiment, the said rear cover is injection moulded with EMIshielding as an inlay in an inlay moulding process. Alternatively or incombination, a 3D printing process may be applied. The EMI shieldinginlay, for instance a stainless steel part, of a part from anothermetal, can provide additional strength to the housing as well as EMIshielding and grounding.

In an embodiment, the modular electronic device further comprises atleast one antenna unit and a coaxial lead for connecting said antennaunit, said coaxial lead comprising a sheath comprising a conductiveconnector contacting said electrically conductive plate of said displaymodule. In this way, more efficient use can be made of the common groundand/or common shielding. This makes positioning one or more antennaunits in the electronic device easier.

In an embodiment, the modular electronic device further comprises atleast one antenna unit comprising an antenna on a carrier and comprisinga connection part for functionally connecting said antenna to saidfurther modular electronic device, in particular said antenna unitcomprising a connection part for further mechanically releasablyconnecting to said chassis. The carrier may be a substrate. Theconnection part may be integrated, providing both mechanical connectionas well as functional connection. Such an antenna unit providesflexibility. Using for instance a flexible foil substrate, an antennaunit can be easy and low cost in production. Furthermore, replacement iseasy, and for instance changing the antenna for different bandwidth ormore optimized design may be possible. The substrate can be a flexible,polymer substrate. The antenna unit may be produced using laser directstructuring (LDS). Antenna units can be provided for Bluetooth, WIFI,LTE, 4G, and any other wireless communication protocol and/or frequency.In an embodiment, the antenna is provided on a foil substrate. The foilsubstrate may comprise contacts. When positioned on the chassis, thecontacts may be connected to one or more leads functionally connectingthe antenna to the further electronic device.

In an embodiment, the display module for an electronic device, comprisesa planar display unit having a display side for viewing said display anda rear side provided with a back plate comprising a conductive shieldlayer that is at least partially embedded in a polymer material whileleaving at least part of a surface of said conductive shield layer thatis directed away from said rear side free for being electricallycontacted. In an embodiment the back plate comprising a displayattachment part for allowing said display module to be attached a framein a sliding manner in a sliding direction in-plane of said planardisplay unit. The back plate may further comprise a display lock partfor in a mutually locked position locking to a frame, blocking saidsliding, and in a mutually released position allowing sliding of saiddisplay module and a frame with respect to one another for allowingremoval of said display module from a frame. The display module can beconnected easily, and can provide common grounding and/or shielding inthe electronic device. Furthermore, assembly and disassembly arepossible without further tools.

In an embodiment, the electronic device comprising a data processor, acommunication unit for wireless communication, a display modulecomprising a display, a camera module comprising a camera device, and abattery, wherein said electronic device further comprises:

-   -   a chassis comprising a frame holding a circuit board holding        said data processor and said communication unit, and further        comprising connectors for functionally connecting said display        module to said data processor and said camera module to said        circuit board and a frame attachment part for mechanically        releasably connecting said display module to said frame;    -   said display module comprising a substantially flat display        device comprising a display module back plate comprising a        display attachment part, complementary to said frame attachment        part for cooperating with said frame attachment part for        mechanically releasably connecting said display module to said        frame;    -   said camera module comprising a camera device and a housing;

wherein said chassis comprises an opening having a shape adapted to fitat least part of said housing of said camera module.

The shape-fitting of the module housing in the chassis, in particular inthe frame, provides secure attachment. In particular, in case alignmentof devices in the electronic device is of importance.

In an embodiment, the electronic device further comprising at least oneselected from

-   -   a receiver module comprising an earpiece speaker and a housing,        said chassis comprises an opening having a shape adapted to fit        at least part of said housing of said receiver module, and    -   a speaker module comprising a speaker and a housing, said        chassis comprises an opening having a shape adapted to fit at        least part of said housing of said speaker module.

These further modules may comprise components that also requirealignment. Furthermore, the fitting provides alignment of other parts ofthe module, like for instance proper alignment of connectors forfunctionally connecting the module to the further electronic device.Furthermore, in an embodiment the fitting may be snap-fitting. In suchan embodiment, no further attachment parts may be required, andassembling and disassembling may be easier.

In an embodiment, at least one of said camera module, said receivermodule and said speaker module comprises a housing comprising anintegrated conductive part comprising a contact lip contacting a commongrounding plane provided by a conductive part integrated with saiddisplay module back plate at a rear surface of the display module. Inparticular, the conductive part is insert molded into the modulehousing. The insert comprises one or more contact lips

In this way, a module is less vulnerable, making changing easier.Furthermore, it is possible to commercially provide new modules withdifferent and adapted functionality.

In an embodiment, said chassis comprises a physical bus for couplingsaid modules to said data processor. In an embodiment, said circuitboard comprise said physical bus comprising a series of connectors forfunctionally coupling said modules. This provides an easy coupling,which is physical, and provides a functional coupling, allowing saidmodules to operate.

The physical bus can also be provided with an expansion port forallowing functional coupling of external devices, for allowing additionof additional functional parts and/or peripherals, for instanceintegrated in a back cover. In an embodiment, the expansion port extendsand allows coupling at a side of said circuit boars opposite to the sideprovided with connectors for said modules. In an embodiment, thatopposite side is the back or rear side of the device.

In an embodiment, a module for an electronic device comprises a housingfrom a polymer composition and a conductive metal part integrate in saidpolymer composition and providing a structural part of said housing,said metal part comprising a flexible lip extending from said housingfor in an assembled condition electrically contacting to a commongrounding part of said electronic device.

The flexible lip, for instance resiliently biased away from the housing,makes connecting to further parts of the electronic device easier.

In an embodiment the electronic device comprising a data processor, acommunication unit for wireless communication, and a chassis comprisinga frame, said electronic device comprising a at least one antenna unitcoupled to said wireless communication unit, said antenna unitcomprising an antenna provided on a substrate, a connector connectedwith said antenna and a connecting part connected with said substrate,and wherein said frame comprises a recess for supporting said substrate,a complementary connecting part for mechanically connecting to saidconnecting part of said antenna unit, and a connector for connectingwith said connector of said antenna unit for functionally coupling saidantenna with said communication unit.

The recess on the chassis, in particular on the frame, makes it easy tochange the antenna unit, and holds the antenna unit secure in place. Ina more general term, the antenna is provided on a carrier, in particularon a substrate.

In an embodiment, the electronic device comprising a communication unitfor wireless communication on a common circuit board and a displaymodule comprising a display on a back plate, and a chassis comprising aframe holding said circuit board, and releasably holding said backplate, wherein said electronic device further comprises at least oneantenna unit coupled to said wireless communication unit via a coaxiallead comprising a shielding cladding grounded to a common grounding onthe back of the back plate of said display module. In an embodiment, theshielding cladding is grounded via a contact to the common grounding.

The term “substantially” herein, like in “substantially consists”, willbe understood by and clear to a person skilled in the art. The term“substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”,“completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjectivesubstantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term“substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher,especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher,including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments whereinthe term “comprises” means “consists of”.

The word “functionally” will be understood by, and be clear to, a personskilled in the art. The word “substantially” and “functionally” may alsoinclude embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, inembodiments these words functionally may also be removed. The word“functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to whichit refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use ofthe feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates toin the invention, that combination of features is able to operate orfunction. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled orfunctionally connected to a communication device, receivedelectromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used bythe communication device. The word “substantially” can thus also coveran embodiment that in the configuration performs the same function. Forinstance, “substantially flat” thus covers “flat”, but also smalldeviations from absolutely flat that still performs as is if it wereflat.

Furthermore, the words first, second, third and the like in thedescription and in the claims, are used for distinguishing betweensimilar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential orchronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used areinterchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodimentsof the invention described herein are capable of operation in othersequences than described or illustrated herein.

The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described duringoperation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, theinvention is not limited to methods of operation or devices inoperation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustraterather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art willbe able to design many alternative embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signsplaced between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude thepresence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Thearticle “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presenceof a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented bymeans of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means ofa suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claimsenumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by oneand the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures arerecited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising oneor more of the characterising features described in the descriptionand/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains toa method or process comprising one or more of the characterisingfeatures described in the description and/or shown in the attacheddrawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order toprovide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features canform the basis for one or more divisional applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of an electronic device will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings inwhich corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, andin which is shown in:

FIG. 1a, 1b schematically an electronic device in front and rear view inperspective;

FIG. 2 schematically the electronic device of FIG. 1 taken apart;

FIG. 3 schematically the electronic device of FIG. 1 in exploded view,seen from the front side or display side;

FIG. 4 schematically the electronic device of FIG. 1 in exploded view,seen from the rear side or back cover side;

FIG. 5 schematically the electronic device of FIG. 1 in completeexploded view, seen from the front side or display side;

FIG. 6 schematically a rear view of a chassis of the electronic deviceof FIG. 1 in perspective view from the display side, and a detail asindicated;

FIG. 7 schematically a detail of the rear of a display module asindicated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 schematically a further detail of the rear of a display module asindicated in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 9, 9 a, 9 b schematically a rear view in perspective of theelectronic device of FIG. 1 with a back cover removed, and details asindicated in FIGS. 9a and 9 b;

FIG. 10 schematically an exploded view of a camera module of theelectronic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 schematically an exploded view of a receiver module of theelectronic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 schematically an exploded view of a speaker module of theelectronic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 schematically an exploded view of a chassis of the electronicdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 schematically an exploded view of the electronic device of FIG.1 showing the various antennas;

FIG. 15 schematically a detail of the chassis of the electronic deviceof FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 2;

The drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate the same offunctionally the same parts. Not all the parts are indicated in everydrawing.

FIG. 1a schematically depicts an electronic device 1 in front view andFIG. 1b in rear view. Here the electronic device 1 is a portable device,more in particular a handheld device, specifically a mobile phone, alsoreferred to as a “smart phone”. As explained above, the electronicdevice 1 can also be a tablet, for instance. The electronic device 1 hasa display side 2, provided with a display 3. The electronic device 1here has a (physical) connector 6, suited for data and/or power forproviding the electronic device 1 with electrical power. Here thatconnector 6 is provided at the lower end of the electronic device 1.

The electronic device 1 further has a rear side 4 opposite the displayside 2 and which is provided with a back cover 5. The back cover 5 isprovided with an opening or an optical window 7 for a camera.

The display 3 in this embodiment is planar. The display 3 defined adisplay plane.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the electronic device 1 of FIGS. 1a and 1btaken apart. The electronic device 1 has a modular structure in whichseveral components are grouped together into modules, as explainedearlier. These modules can be removed and replaced, repaired and/orupgraded individually. FIG. 2 shows the various modules, back cover 5,chassis 9 and battery 10 all from their side that in assembled conditionis directed to the display side 2 of electronic device 1. FIG. 3schematically shows the electronic device 1 of FIG. 1a, 1b in explodedview, seen from the front side or display side 2, and FIG. 4schematically shows the electronic device 1 of FIG. 1 in exploded view,seen from the rear side 4 or back cover side. Thus, the rear side 4 ofeach module (in assembled state) can be seen. Some parts are shown inmore detail in the indicated FIGS. 7, 8, 15, here indicated in the Romannumeral system, and will be discussed later. The electronic device 1comprises a display module 8. The electronic device 1 further comprisesa chassis 9. Here, chassis 9 comprises a frame 11 that is provided witha circuit board (usually a printed circuit board or PCB) 12 that isattached to the frame 11 and forms a computation and communicationmodule with the components that are attached to it, like a dataprocessor, a communication unit, and various connectors. Battery 10 ishere snapped onto frame 11 and is in electrical contact with the circuitboard 12 for providing electrical power to the electronic device 1.

The electronic device 1 here comprises a receiver module 13 which willbe discussed in more detail later. The electronic device furthercomprises a camera module 14. The electronic device here furthercomprises a speaker module 15. All these modules will be discussed laterin more detail.

In this embodiment, the circuit board 12 is provided with connectors 16,17, 18, 19 for electrically connecting each of the modules 8, 13, 14, 15to the circuit board 12 in order to provide a functional coupling whichis here is in a physical manner. The connectors 16, 17, 18, 19 comprisesubstantially in a direction of the rear side compressible electricalcontact pins. The connectors will be discussed in more detail later.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 the inner surface of the back cover 5 can be seen.Around the camera opening 22 a sealing rim is provided which here sealsagainst ingress of dirt and moisture at the camera module 14 location.The back cover is further provided with a pressure rim 21 for in amounted state of the back cover 5 pressing against the rear surface ofthe battery 10. The back cover 5 is further provided with a flexible,resilient rim 20 which fits round the circumference of the displaymodule 8 and reaches to the display side 2. FIG. 1 shows this. In thisway, the back cover 5 seals the electronic device 1 against ingress ofdust, dirt and moisture. The current electronic device 1 thus needs nofurther cover, like known electronic devices require or often have. Inan embodiment, the central part of the back cover 5 is from a plasticmaterial, comprising a flexible, resilient rim 20 of an elastomericmaterial. The back cover 5 may be produced in a bi-component mouldingprocess, or for instance in a multi-component 3D printing process. Theingress protection seals in an embodiment prevent water and dustingress. In FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 9, 13 and 14, and a part in FIG. 9a nextto arrow S, for instance), it can be seen that the frame 9 hasadditional rails at its sides just above the line end of reference 9.These rails allow attachment of an alternative sliding back cover 5. Itcan snap behind the end of the rails. The rails extend parallel todirection S at both opposite sides of the frame 9, as shown in FIG. 9.

The frame 11 of the chassis comprises several provisions for positioningmodules, and for keeping the modules positioned.

To that end, the frame 11 comprises here two receiver module openings24, having a shape that is adapted to at least part of the shape of thereceiver module 13. In the embodiment, the receiver module 13 can bepositions into place with its two extremities fittingly positioned inthe openings 24. For further fixing, the receiver module 13 has holesfor fitting screws for attaching the receiver module 13 to the frame.

The frame 11 further comprises a camera module opening 25, again havinga shape that is adapted to at least part of the shape of the cameramodule 14. This again allows positioning into place in a secure manner,preventing wrong assembly and securing the camera module 14 in positionon the frame 11. Also the camera module has two openings for fittingscrews for fixing the camera module onto frame 11.

The frame 11 further comprises a battery opening 26 for holding battery10. It comprises wall elements and lips (see FIG. 4) working togetherfor snap-fittingly holding battery 10 into position in opening 26 offrame 11. The battery 10 in assembled state of the electronic device 1is further held between the back cover battery pressure rim 21 end therear surface of display module 8. The display module is here positionedonto frame 9 in a sliding motion, sliding the display module 8 down (tothe lower part of the paper). It was found that removing the displaymodule from the frame 11 while the battery 10 was still electricallyconnected to the circuit board 12 can be harmful to the electronicdevice 1. In order to prevent removal of the display module 8 from thechassis 9, in particular from frame 11, a cam 28 is provided on the rearsurface of display module 8. Cam 28 is positioned to abut battery 10when display module 8 is slid with respect to frame 11 with battery 10fitted to the chassis 9. Cam 28 is shown in more detail in FIG. 7. Therelatively small cam 28 proved to be sufficient to prevent sliding ofthe display module 8 when the battery 10 was in place.

FIG. 5 schematically the electronic device of FIG. 1 in completeexploded view, seen from the front side or display side 2.

Display module 8 in this embodiment comprises a display 3 with atouchscreen. This configuration as such is common in so calledsmartphones. The display 3 or display device is substantially planar.The display 3 can be an LCD display, an OLED display, or any other typeof display 3 known to the skilled person and used in electronic devices,in particular electronic devices like mobile phones, tablets, notebooks,and the like. The display module 8 further comprises in this embodimenta protective glass plate 38. The display module also comprises atouchscreen sensor, which may be integrated in the display 3 in the caseof in-cell sensing, or through he use of an additional sensing layerbetween the display 3 and the protective glass plate 38.

At its rear, the display module comprises a display module back plate36. This back plate 36 has various functions. It provides strength,rigidity and means for attaching the display module 8 to the frame 11 ofchassis 9. The back plate 36 comprises a reinforcement part which inthat embodiment is from a conductive material. Thus, in this embodimentit provides both stiffness to the display module as a equipotentialplane. In the current design, the conductive back plate part 27 is amagnesium plate. In the current embodiment the conductive back platepart 27 integrated into the display module back plate 36 via aninsert-moulding process. The conductive back plate 27 is placed as aninsert in an double shot-moulding process and the further display moduleback plate 36 is injection moulded around is, leaving the back surfaceof the conductive back plate part 27 free for electrical connection tothe various further modules of the electronic device.

In the current embodiment, the display module back plate 36 comprises acircumferential rim 37. This circumferential rim 37 here fits around thedisplay 3 and around the protective glass plate 38.

Indicated in FIG. 5 and also in FIG. 2 are furthermore displayattachment parts 30. One of these display attachment parts 30 is also inmore detail visible in FIGS. 7 and 8. These display attachment parts 30work together with frame attachment parts 31. These frame attachmentparts 31 are indicated in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 6 in detail.

An embodiment of the display attachment part 30 is depicted in moredetail in FIGS. 7 and 8. The display attachment part 30 provides anabutment in a direction cross with respect to the display 3. Thisabutment of display attachment part 30 works together with an abutment.

In an embodiment, the display attachment parts 30 provides hookelements, and the frame attachment parts 31 provides a complementaryhook elements. With the display module slid into place on the frame 11with its display attachment parts 30 engaging the frame attachment parts31 of frame 11, the hook elements and complementary hook elementsprovide mutual abutment in a direction perpendicular with respect to thedisplay 3 and perpendicular to the frame 11. Thus, the display module 8is locked to the frame 11 in a direction perpendicular to the display.Furthermore, the hook elements and complementary hook elements providemutual abutment in a direction in the plane of the display 3 andperpendicular to the slide direction. In this way, the display module 8and chassis 11 are furthermore locked in those directions. Furthermore,at least one selected from at least one of the display attachment parts30 and at least one of the frame attachment parts 31 provides a slideabutment 39 (FIG. 6). Slide abutment 39 blocks (further) sliding of thedisplay module 8 and the chassis 9 with respect to one another. At thatposition, the display module 8 and the chassis 9 are properly aligned.In the current embodiment, a slide abutment 39 is indicated in thedetail of FIG. 6, here provided on the frame 11. One of the frameattachment part 31 will abut that slide abutment 39.

In the current embodiment, the hook element and the complementary hookelement comprise a cam 40 and notch 41 (FIGS. 6, 7 and 8) which providean snap-lock when the display module and chassis 11 are properlyaligned.

Indicated in FIG. 5 are furthermore display module locking latches 29.In FIG. 4 the display module locking latches 29 are shown mounted in thedisplay module 8, in particular on the display module back plate 36. InFIG. 8 the display module locking latch 29 is shown in detail, and inFIG. 9 the display module locking latch 29 is shown in a locked positionwhen locking the display module 8 onto frame 11 of the chassis. Thearrow in FIG. 9 indicates the latching direction L of the display modulelocking latch 29, for bringing the display module locking latch 29 intoa released position. In its locked position (in FIG. 9), the displaymodule locking latch 29 engages frame lock cam 32, indicated in FIGS. 2and 3, and in FIG. 6 in more detail.

The display module locking latch 29 provides a display lock part and thecorresponding frame lock cam 32 provides a frame lock part.

The display module locking latch 29 here runs on a rail end provided onthe display module 8. The rail end is provided at an end of the displaymodule 8. It runs cross, in particular rectangular, to the display slidedirection S. FIGS. 8-9 b show this in more detail.

When attaching display module 8 onto the chassis 9, the following isdone. It is assumed that the other modules are already placed on thechassis 9. The display module is placed on top of the frame 11, with itsconductive plate towards the frame and its display side away from theframe 11. The display module 8 is not placed exactly on top of frame 11,but a little displaced in the direction opposite to the slide directionS. The user now slides the display module in the slide direction S, withthe display attachment parts 30 snapping onto the frame attachment parts31. The display module 8 slides until it engages one or more of theslide abutments 39. Now, the two display module locking latches 29 ofthis embodiment are slid in outward direction (the slide 29 of FIG. 8 tothe right) until they slide over the corresponding frame lock cams 32 offrame 11. Now, the display module 8 can no longer slide back. Thedisplay module 8 is locked onto chassis 11.

To remove the display module 8 from an electronic device 1, first backcover 5 needs to be removed. Next, battery 10 needs to be removed as itblocks display module 8 via cam 28. Now, the two display module lockinglatches 29 need to be slid inwardly. Now, the display module 8 can slidein direction S in the display plane. Display module 8 usually slidesonly a few mm, for instance 1-5 mm, in particular between 1-5 mm. Therespective attachment parts 30 and 31 disengage and the display module 8can be lifted off of the frame 11 and off of the chassis 9.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a rear view of the chassis 9 of theelectronic device 1 of FIG. 1 in perspective view from the display side2. On the chassis 9, the receiver module 13, the camera module 14, thespeaker module 15 and the battery are installed. The display module 8 isremoved. Normally, is configuration with battery 10 in place is notpossible, as the presence of battery 10 prevents removal of the displaymodule 8 as explained earlier.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the electronic device 1 with the displaymodule 8 removed but with the battery 10 re-added. Here, a displayconnector 16 is shown. Functionally alike connectors 17, 18 and 19 areused for functionally coupling other modules. The connectors 16, 17, 18,19 comprise a series of contact pins 34 (only two specificallyindicated) that comprise contacting ends that are biased in the displaydirection. In the embodiment shown in the figures, so called ‘pogo pins’34 are used to that end. A Pogo pin 34 is known in general and relatesto a device that can be used in electronics to establish a (usuallytemporary) connection between two printed circuit boards. A pogo pin 34here takes the form of a slender cylinder containing one or twospring-loaded pins. Pressed between two electronic circuits, thecontacts or tips at each end of the pogo pin 34 make secure contactswith the two circuits and thereby connect them together. In the currentinvention, single spring pogo pins are employed with one end of the pogopin being electrically connected to a circuit board. In order to preventthe series of contacts to radiate electromagnetic radiation, the seriesof contacts of a connector are enclosed by a shielding ring 35 ofconductive material. In the current invention, the opposite connectorend comprises a series of corresponding contact patches, positioned fora patch to correspond with a contact pin 34. The contact patches aresurrounded by a closed, ring-shaped shielding patch surrounding thecontact patches. This is not shown in the drawings.

Thus, one end of a connector 16, 17, 18, 19 comprises a series of pogopins 34, for instance enclosed by a shielding ring or rim 35 ofconductive material. The other end of the connector comprises a seriesof contact patches that correspond to the series of pogo pings and aclosed, ring-shaped shielding patch surrounding the contact patches andcorresponding to the shielding ring 35 of conductive material. Thecontacting shielding patch and the shielding ring together form part ofa Faraday cage around contacting contact pins 34 and correspondingcontact patches (not shown)

In FIG. 6 are furthermore rail parts 33 indicated on the longitudinalsides of frame 11. These rail parts 33 can work together with parts of aback cover to provide a slide-on cover. In the current drawings, theback cover 5 that is shown is of the “snap-on” type that snaps aroundthe complete sides of electronic device 1. The back cover 5 here thusseals against the front surface or display side 2 of the display 3.

In FIG. 6 it is furthermore shown how all the modules, like the receivermodule 13, camera module 14, speaker module 15 and the computationalmodule, are all provided with a module ground plate 44. The moduleground plates 44 all comprise one or more module ground contact lip 45.These contact lips 45 are flexible in a direction normal to the groundsplate 44. The contact lips here all extend in one plane. When a displaymodule 8 is attached to frame 9, the contact lips 45 will contact theconductive back plate 27 of the display module 8. In this way, all themodules of the electronic device have a common ground. Furthermore, theground plates 44 shield the modules at least partly from electromagneticinterference.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a detail of the rear of a display module 8 asindicated in FIG. 4. It shows in detail the battery blocking cam 28 thatengages the battery 10, in particular a side or ledge of the battery.This prevents the display module 8 to be slid in its display slidedirection S. Thus, a display module 8 can not be removed from frame 11as long as a battery 10 is in place. In this way, strong voltage changeson the other components/modules can be prevented.

FIG. 7 further shows an embodiment of a display attachment part 30. Itcomprises a cam 40 that allows a snap fit with the notch 41 in acorresponding frame attachment part 31. The display attachment part 30has a complementary slide abutment 39 that abuts the slide abutment 39of the frame attachment part 31. Thus, the display module 8 and chassis9 can slide until they are mutually aligned.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a further detail of the lower part of therear of a display module 8 as indicated in FIG. 4. In this detail, aswell as in the detail of FIG. 7, one of the display attachment parts 30is shown.

In FIG. 8, in more detail the locking latch 29 is shown. The lockinglatch 29 can be seem further in FIGS. 9, 9 a and 9 b. The locking latch29 works together with frame lock cams 32. The locking latch 29 runs ona rail 62 provided on the frame 11, as can be seen in FIG. 8. The rail62 is aligned parallel to the latch directions indicated with arrow L,that indicated that the locking latch 29 can move back and forth. Therail 62 and slide directions are here perpendicular to the display slidedirection S. The frame 11 is provided with a lip that extends in thedirection of the rail 62. The lip is provided with a frame lock cam 32.The lip is flexible in a direction perpendicular to the lock direction Land to the slide direction S. In operation, the locking latch 29 can bemoved from an unlocked position in FIG. 9b to a locked position in FIG.9a . When moving from the unlocked position to the locked position, thelip will bend in the direction of the display module 8. When the lockinglatch 29 is in the locked position, the cam 32 on the lip will snap in anotch (not visible) of behind a ledge in locking latch 29.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a rear view, in perspective view, of theelectronic device 1 of FIG. 1 with a back cover removed, and details asindicated, shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b . In FIG. 9, the camera module 14has been removed, showing a camera module opening 25 in the chassis.This opening 25 and part of the shape of the camera module 14 areadapted to one another in order to further hold the camera module 14 inplace on the chassis 9.

In FIG. 9, an expansion port 100 is indicated. This expansion port 100is coupled to the printed circuit board of the computational module 12.In the current modular design, such an expansion port can be addedeasily. In fact, on the printed circuit board a (physical) bus is formedonto which for instance the connectors 16-19 are also attached andcoupled. The expansion port 100 extends here to the opposite side,providing a coupling possibility at the rear side 4. In this modulardesign, integration of the expansion port 100 is relatively easy. Andwhen removing the protective back cover 5, the expansion port 100becomes easily accessible.

The expansion port 100 may provide at least one of for instancebi-directional data connectivity, for instance via a standard USBinterface, power output, for instance to electronics in the back cover5, or power input, like via a power source in the back cover 5, e.g. anadditional battery pack or solar charger to charge the phone's internalbattery.

The expansion port 100 in an embodiment comprises flexible contacts, forinstance the already mentioned pogo pins.

This way, additional functionality can be added by changing the backcover 5. For instance, the back cover can be provided with a powersource like additional battery and/or solar panel, or even an additionaldisplay, like an e-ink or OLED screen, or other peripherals like sensorslike for instance a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressuresensor, a contact/touch sensor, a gas sensor, peripherals like LEDs,like external data carriers like for instance SD Card connectors, likeadditional speakers, or like biomedical scanners like fingerprintscanner, and the like, and combinations thereof.

These peripherals may also be coupled to the expansion port in analternative way.

In FIGS. 10-13 various modules will be discusses. Most of the modulescomprise a housing. Here, the housings have a front housing part 42, arear housing part 43, and a shielding plate 44. Often, the modules areprovided with a module circuit board 46. The housing parts are commonlyinjection moulded, but may also be 3D printed, for instance. Theshielding plate 44 is a conductive plate, often a metal plate, like athin stainless steel or other sheet metal. The conductive plate can bethin. It may be integrated to the or with the front housing part, forinstance in the 3D printing process polymer material may be printed onthe conductive plate. When injection moulding, the conductive plate maybe an inlay in the mould.

In the embodiments shown, the shielding plate 44 has assembly lips 54that snap behind cams on the housing parts. The shielding plates 44 ofthe modules provide shielding, but also a common ground plane togetherwith the conductive back plate part 27 of the display module 8. In fact,the display module here has a housing formed by the protective glassplate 38 on the front and the display module back plate 36 on its rearside. Integrated in the display module back plate 36 is a conductiveback plate part 27. It is integrated into the further material of thedisplay module back plate 36. For instance, using 3D printing of polymermaterial around the conductive back plate 27, or for instance using theconductive back plate 27 as an inlay in a mould in an injection mouldingprocess. Here the conductive back plate 27 is functionally coupled toone end of the battery 10 for providing a common ground. All theshielding plates 44 of the modules comprise one or more module groundcontact lips 45 that are here formed out of the plate material. Theselips 45 are flexible and biased towards (when installed) the conductiveback plate 27 of the display module. When the modules are installed andmounted on the chassis 9, the module ground contact lips 45 pressagainst the conductive back plate 27 of the display module 8.

Various modules will be discussed in more detail in FIGS. 10-13.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an exploded view of a camera module 14 ofthe electronic device 1 of FIG. 1. It is shown from its rear side. Thecamera module 14 here comprises a rear-viewing camera. The camera modulecomprises a camera device 53. Such a camera is known to the skilledperson, and may comprise a CMOS and/or CCD camera or the like. Thecamera module 14 further comprises a flash device 52. Usually, the flashdevice comprises one or more LED components. The components of thecamera module are housed in a housing, as explained earlier. The housingcomprises a part that has a shape adapted to fit into a dedicatedopening in the chassis 9.

FIG. 11 schematically shows an exploded view of a receiver module 13 ofthe electronic device 1 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the receivermodule comprises a receiver which acts as an earpiece speaker 65, andalso may provide hearing aid coupling. Here, the receiver module furthercomprises a speaker 65, a front-viewing camera device 66, a lightsensor, and a jack for an earpiece or headset. The receiver module likeother modules comprises a housing with shielding/grounding provisions.The housing comprise a housing part shaped to fit an opening in thechassis. Here, the receiver module has two housing parts that are shapedto fit two openings in the chassis, in particular in the frame.

FIG. 12 schematically shown an exploded view of a speaker module 15 ofthe electronic device 1 of FIG. 1. The speaker module here comprises aspeaker 65. In the current embodiment, the speaker module furthercomprises a vibrator 67 (see FIG. 3) a power connector 6 for themains/charging, the main microphone 68 and a rubber booth around themicrophone 68. The speaker module comprises a speaker module sealing 47.

FIG. 13 schematically shows an exploded view of a chassis 9 of theelectronic device 1 of FIG. 1. Here, the computational module 12 isshown in an exploded view.

The computational module 12 comprises a module circuit board 46. Here,for the computational module 12 the module circuit board 46 is extended.The extended circuit board provides a logical bus for coupling modulesto the computational module 12. Thus, the extended circuit boardcomprises the various connectors 16-19 described above.

Another aspect than makes the computational module different from theother modules is that it comprises components, in particular integratedcircuits like for instance a data processor, which produce relativelymuch heat at a relatively small surface area. To that end, part of thehousing of the computational module 12 has integrated thermal passivecooling provisions. In this embodiment, first a heat pipe foam is placedon the most heat dissipating components, like the data processor. Thisto spread the heat quickly to a larger area. Next, a heat conductivelayer holds the heat pipe foam on its place. This heat conductive layeris in thermal contact with the heat pipe foam.

Finally, a graphite layer 69 is provided in thermal contact between themodule shield plate 44 and the heat conductive layer. This setupdissipates and spreads the heat over a larger area as fast as possible.

FIG. 14 schematically shows an exploded view of the electronic device 1of FIG. 1 showing the various antenna units 57, 58, 59, 60, 61. Here,the device comprises the following antenna units:

57 main cellular antenna for GSM, WCDMA and LTE;

58 WIFI/BT antenna;

59 MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) high band antenna;

60 GPS antenna;

61 MIMO low band antenna;

Except for the main cellular antenna 57, which is made using a laserdirect structuring process, the antenna units 58-61 are here providedwith a flexible substrate, for instance on a plastic backed metal foil.The antenna units are placed in a recess on the chassis and coupled to alead that conducts the antenna signals to the receiver module 13.

All these antenna units are here placed into recesses on frame 11. Iffor instance for regional differences slightly different communicationbands are needed, it is relatively easy to replace an antenna unit. Anantenna unit may be provided with a connector that snap-fits orform-fits onto a connector end on the chassis. Thus, an antenna unit ismechanically connected to the frame and thus to the chassis. Here, theconnector also functionally connects an antenna unit to thecommunication device.

FIG. 15 schematically shows a detail of the chassis of the electronicdevice 1 of FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 2, showing the grounding of acoaxial (shortly coax) line 55 for an antenna unit, here the maincellular antenna 57. The coax line has a shielding cladding or sheaththat is grounded to the conductive back plate 27 of the display module,just like the other modules. To that end, to ensure a reliant grounding,the coax line 55 has a spring contact or for instance a “pogo” pincontact 56 that has one end connected to the shielding of the coax lineand a biased end to connect to the conductive back plate 27 when thedisplay module 8 is installed on the chassis. The pin 56 in anembodiment comprises a cylindrical bus comprising a coaxial, biased orspring-loaded pin.

In summary, the current invention relates to at least one of thefollowing.

A modular smart device design intended to allow consumers to repairand/or to replace and/or to upgrade various modules and/or componentswithin a smart device without specialist knowledge or tools. Smartdevices are fragile and are prone to breakages, the present inventionallows a user of the device to remove a series of modules that containthe most commonly broken elements of a smart device and replace theseeasily without specialist equipment. The clustering of the respectivecomponents that are prone to damage has been carefully considered toensure that over 80% of the most likely to be damaged parts arechangeable by module/user replacement.

To enable the user of a device to either upgrade of repair a smartdevice easily and quickly and for a low cost.

The implementation of the overall design and the grouping of thecomponents in various modules brings a number of benefits. Firstly itallows the creation of interfaces for each module which can bestandardised for each type of module. This is reflected in both themechanical and electronic design of the interfaces. The interfaces havebeen designed to reduce pin count and to allow where possible theabstraction of the module from the computational and communication (CC)module to allow of upgradability in the future. Modules have beendesigned to minimise complexity and pin requirements and are grouped inclusters by the likely hood of breaking. For example, we have separateditems that have high breaking opportunities to avoid that if one moduledoes break this often results in replacement of a high cost module. Forexample, we do not include the cameras into the display module as bothhave a high incidence of breaking and are both high cost items. Theselection of the components incorporated into each module is novel as itgroups device functions both by proxy to where they are most likely tobe used but also to the damaged they may sustain. An example of that ifthe device is dropped and it hits the ground on the bottom edge it maydamage the power connectors on the bottom of the phone. We have groupedmechanical devices that are also subject to mechanical drop damage, suchas the vibrator, into the same module. In this way only one module needsto be changed if more than one components is damaged by a drop. We alsolooked at the cost structure of modules. For example as mentionedearlier, we have not located the cameras and display module together inone module as these are all high breakage items and therefore thismodule would be changed more frequently and also the cost of thesecomponents is high. So if a display module included cameras, and allthat was broken was the display, the user would be paying for cost ofthe cameras to be replaced even if they this instance they where notdamaged.

As mentioned, displays are frequently broken and touch panel aredamaged. It was first found that about 33% of the devices suffer from anaccident of failure during their lifetime. Over 50% of all smart devicesrepairs are for broken displays. User often have to return the device tothe manufacturer to have displays replaced, leaving them without the useof the device.

The novelty in this aspect stems from the display modulelatching/clipping and mechanical features of the design which allow fora robust product while still allowing the display to be removed. Thesection of magnesium for the main display frame provides rigidity. Theframe is designed to use plastic that is double shot injected orovermoulded into the section of magnesium, provided as an inlay. Theplastic part provides for the clip features to be formed. This allowsthe clips to bend and flex during assembly and disassembly and to bemore durable. The use of a standardised interface which is designed toreduce crosstalk and has a novel grounding solution (see later) andabstracts the specific's of the display electronics from the deviceelectronics allows the display to be upgraded in future. The displaymodule here does not include the automatic light sensor (ALS) nor thecamera. There is a novel detail that allow the ALS and the front facingcamera to reside in the receiver module so that the cost of the displaymodule can be kept as low as possible, and the ALS and camera do notneed to be needlessly replaced when the display is changed.

The display module includes the display and touch panel and can bereplaced without any tools by the user simply removing the rear case,removing the battery, sliding a catch and then sliding the displaymodule off the smart device. To install a new or replacement display isthe reversal of removal. Displays can also be upgraded as the displayelectronic interface is abstracted from the CC module. The use of astandard interface which abstracts the phones electronics from thedisplay allows for new upgraded displays to be fitted to the smartdevice later. The location of the clips around the display connector arevery specially designed to ensure that good contact is maintainedbetween the pogo pins and the display printed circuit board (PCB) suchas when throwing the smart device on to a table top which could cause aminor disconnection on one pogo pin which may result in a malfunction ofthe device.

Camera and flash breakages account for approx. 10% of all Smart devicerepairs. Users often have to return their device to the manufacturer forthe camera or flash to be repaired, leaving them without the use oftheir device.

The novelty stems in this aspect from the camera module latching andmechanical features of the design which allow for a robust product whilestill allowing the camera to be removed. It relates to the use of astandardised interface which is designed to reduce crosstalk and has anovel grounding solution (see later) and abstracts the specific's of thecamera electronics from the device electronics, which allows the camerato be upgraded in future.

The camera module includes both the camera module and the cameraflash/phone flashlight and can be replaced by removing 2 standardPhillips screws (tools available to most users). The vertical insertionand the specific design of the camera module prevent incorrect assemblyby the user.

Front camera breakages/defects account for approx. 4% of breakages insmart devices. Audio jack breakages account for approx. 4% of allbreakages in smart devices, and receiver and sensor breakages/defectsaccount for approx. 2-3% of all smart device repairs. Again, users oftenhave to return their device to the manufacturer for these components tobe repaired leaving them without the use of their device.

The novelty in an aspect further stems from the receiver module latchingand mechanical features of the design, which allow for a robust productwhile still allowing the receiver module to be removed. The use of astandardised interface which is designed to reduce crosstalk and has anovel grounding solution (see later) allows the receiver module to bechanged easily. Sealing of the camera and ALS devices allowing them toseal against the sliding display module but be mounted in the displaymodule which is novel and reduces the complexity of the display moduleand the cost.

The receiver module includes in an embodiment the front facing camera,the receiver, the automatic light sensor (ALS), the status LED and theearpiece audio jack. It can be replaced by removing 2 standard Phillipsscrews (tools available to most users). Vertical insertion and thespecific design of the receiver module prevent incorrect assembly by theuser.

Power connector (USB) breakages/defects account for approx. 3% ofbreakages in smart devices. Speaker breakages account for approx. 4% ofall breakages in smart devices, and vibrator breakages/defects accountfor approx. 2-3% of all smart device. Again, repairs for which usersoften have to return their device to the manufacturer for thesecomponents to be repaired, leaving them without the use of their device.

The novelty stems in this aspect from the speaker module latching andmechanical features of the design which allow for a robust product whilestill allowing the speaker module to be removed. It includes the use ofan standardised interface which is designed to reduce crosstalk and hasa novel grounding solution (see later), and which allows the speakermodule to be changed easily. Sealing of the USB connector provides amethod to stop the ingress of fluids/dust, which is a common failuremechanism in smart devices.

The speaker module here includes the micro USB power connector, thespeaker, and the vibration motor. It can be replaced by removing 2standard Phillips screws (tools available to most users). Verticalinsertion and the specific design of the speaker module preventincorrect assembly by the user.

The abstraction of the computational and communications (CC) module fromthe peripherals of the smart device allows for both the CC module to bealtered for another type of CC module for repair purposes or forupgrade. The biggest benefit of the creation of the CC module is that CCmodules have a longer lifetime than the peripheral of a smart device andare improved on a slower cadence—for example a transition from 4G to 5Gnetworks will take a number of years to replace one another. It is thesetypes of changes that drive changes in the CC module, where as displayand camera technology will undergo several generation changes andimprovements during this time.

An aspect of the novelty of the CC module is that it provides a set ofstandard interfaces either/or mechanical/electrical that allow thereplacement and upgrade of peripherals connected to or that are part ofthe smart device. The CC module in an embodiment has a unique design ofpogo connectors which have a novel grounding solution allowing therobust grounding of signals for high speed communications buses such asthe Mobile Industry Peripherals Interface (MIPI) whilst allowing easyassembly and disassembly.

The computational and communications module in an embodiment includesthe application processor, memory, storage, RF Circuitry, gyro scopes,magnetometer and E-Compass. Together with the module connectors andassociated shielding, all these components are here mounted on a singleuniform PCB. CC evolution changes at a slower speed compared to theperipheral modules. Thereby abstracting the modules allows for the CC toremain constant and mature whilst the user desired peripheralenhancements can be repaired or added or upgraded to the smart devicewithout having to upgrade the CC module. The CC module in an embodimenthas only semiconductor components mounted onto it, meaning that is morerobust than the other modules and hence less likely to break. It is theintention that the elements that can or do get damaged in a smart deviceare located or grouped intelligently into one or other of the smartdevice modules.

The design of the antenna in an embodiment allows the frequency range ofthe antenna to be changed without having to redesign the CC module orthe mechanics of the smart device.

An aspect of the novelty of the design is that it isolates the mainantenna that maybe subject to change for different geographies. In anaspect, a constraint of the design is such that it can be altered forfrequency without a major redesign of the device. In one embodiment thisalteration could be a late stage, and be configurable or customisationor can be a user changeable item.

Mounting of the communications antennas in this way provides flexibilityto the design and a longer lifetime to the CC module.

The novelty of an aspect of this design is that it moves the antennas ofthe CC module and connects them via flying leads that allow for designflexibility, and places them in the chassis.

The main antenna can be formed using laser direct structuring (LDS) andin an embodiment has been designed in such a way as that it can bechanged and modified for adaption of the phone to different marketsaround the world who may operate some of their WWAN commutationsnetworks at different frequencies without having to redesign the entiresmart device. The antenna is mounted on a piece of high permeabilitymaterial that provides mechanical support and good dielectric isolation.

The communications antennas in an embodiment have been designed to belocated into the chassis of the smart device on flying leads that areconnected to the CC module via spring connectors. This allows for easyrepair with no soldering and allows for the creation of new antennas fordifferent frequencies. It abstracts the antenna placement from thedesign of the CC module and the casing of the smart device.

Another aspect relates to the prevention of the module connectors,formed via Pogo pins, from radiating unwanted or harmful RF energy intoand/or externally from the device.

The novelty of an aspect is that in an embodiment, the connectors use alow resistivity outer shield that is connected through a low resistivityflexible gasket to contact to a grounding plane on the module PCB. In anembodiment, the connector shield is connected to the screw bosses on theconnector which then provide grounding to the shield which are insertmolded into the top of the modules. These shields have grounding tags onthem which provide further grounding to that back of the display modulewhich provides large ground plane which the RF and unwantedelectromagnetic energy can dissipate into.

The use of Pogo pins to connect high speed signals such as MIPI can poseproblems in that the Pogo pins acts as an antenna and will radiate RFenergy which may interfere with other electronics in the smart device.In an embodiment, a grounding solution is provided, comprisingelectronic grounding and RF shielding for these signals whilst at thesame time allowing the module to easily replaced without the use ofspecialist tools

To provide a mechanical moveable though good RF ground for the antennacoax, in an embodiment the ground plane of the device is located on therear of the display module. To provide a good RF ground for the mainAntenna PCB, the ground plane again is located on the rear of thedisplay module

Another problem is to prevent RF energy being radiated from the Coaxinto/out of the smart device or back onto the RF PA output.

In an embodiment, novelty of this aspect is that it provides a solidground path for the antenna coax to the display module ground and whichis able to move as the display module is removed.

A further or additional aspect is to allow upgrade of the smart deviceperipheral's and modules without changing the CC module design.

A careful selection of interface signals and powers supply signalsreduces the number of pins, and provides for the modules to be isolatedfrom the CC module. This allows for future upgrades. An example of thisis the rear facing camera and the display interface PCB.

Another aspect is to provide enhanced sealing of the smart deviceagainst dust and fluids ingress.

An aspect of the novelty an embodiment of this part of the device isthat the rear case is designed to cover the sides of the phone and indoing so provides ingress protection (IP) sealing to the device.

In an embodiment, the use of sealing techniques in the outer cover andfor the smart device external connectors provides enhanced IP protectionto the device at minimal cost.

In order to prevent damage to display or CC module or other module whenremoving the display while the device is powered on or while the batteryis attached.

The novelty in this aspect comprises that the display module and thebattery module are mechanically linked to prevent the display modulefrom being moved while the battery is in its operating position.

A further aspect relates to enabling case design differentiation using acommon chassis design.

The chassis in an embodiment has been designed to accept either a snapover rear case and/or cover or a sliding rear case cover. This gives theuser the choice of different mechanical case designs with the same smartdevice product and to provide for differentiation between differentsmart device models using the same core components. The locatingelements for the rear case in an embodiment also act as strengtheningfeatures for the chassis. The chassis in the embodiment comprises anI-Beam section along the side of the chassis of the device, addinggreatly to the strength of the product.

The creation of different modules allows for shorter more flexiblemanufacturing lines and optimised module assembly lines which reducescost and improves quality

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings areincluded to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not tolimit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many moreembodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments arewithin the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and areobvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of thispatent.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 electronic device-   2 display side-   3 display-   4 rear side-   5 back cover-   6 physical connector for power and/or data-   7 camera opening in back cover-   8 display module-   9 chassis-   10 battery-   11 frame-   12 computational and communication module on printed circuit board-   13 receiver module-   14 camera module-   15 speaker module-   16 display module connector-   17 speaker module connector-   18 camera module connector-   19 receiver module connector-   20 back cover sealing rim-   21 back cover battery pressure gasket-   22 camera sealing rim-   23 speaker opening in back cover-   24 receiver module opening in chassis-   25 camera module opening in chassis-   26 battery opening in chassis-   27 conductive back plate part-   28 battery blocking ledge/cam-   29 display module locking latch-   30 display attachment part-   31 frame attachment part-   32 frame lock cams-   33 rails on frame for slide cover-   34 contact pins-   35 connector shielding rim-   36 display module back plate-   37 display module back plate circumferential rim-   38 protective glass plate (of the display)-   39 slide abutment-   40 cam-   41 notch-   42 module front housing part-   43 module rear housing part-   44 module ground/shield plate-   45 module ground contact lip-   46 module circuit board-   47 speaker module sealing-   48 speaker module opening in chassis-   49 speaker module connector end-   50 camera module connector end-   51 receiver module connector end-   52 flash device including flash light pipe-   53 camera device-   54 module assembly clip-   55 coax antenna line-   56 coax antenna line grounding-   57 main cellular antenna-   58 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (BT) antenna-   59 mimo high antenna-   60 GPS antenna-   61 mimo low antenna-   62 locking latch rail-   63 cam-   64 housing opening-   65 speaker-   66 front camera device-   67 vibrator-   68 microphone booth-   69 graphite heat spreader-   100 expansion port-   S display slide direction-   L lock line-   N normal to display

We claim:
 1. A mobile phone, modular in construction, the mobile phoneincluding a removable battery and a plurality of modules which areindividually replaceable and individually repairable, the mobile phoneincluding a chassis, wherein each respective module is attachable anddetachable to a part of the mobile phone not including the respectivemodule, in which the modules include a computational module and adisplay module. Where in one of said computational module and saiddisplay module comprises a first connector end and the other comprises asecond connector end that is complementary to said first connector end,wherein said first connector end comprises a series of biased contactpins and a conductive rim surrounding said contact pins, and said secondconnector end comprises a series of conducting patches, positioned for apatch to correspond to a contact pin, and said patches are surrounded bya peripheral contact surrounding said contact patches and correspondingto said conductive rim, said conductive rim and said peripheral contactprovided for providing part of a Faraday cage around said contact pinsand contact patches when in contact.
 2. The mobile phone of claim 1, inwhich the computational module is a computational and communicationsmodule.
 3. The mobile phone of claim 1, in which the display modulecannot be removed while the battery is in place.
 4. The mobile phone ofclaim 1, in which the display module does not include a camera.
 5. Themobile phone of claim 1, including a back cover, said back covercomprising a back cover sealing rim including a flexible elastic plasticmaterial which is configured to reach around said chassis and sealinglyonto said display module.
 6. The mobile phone of claim 1, including acommon grounding part, in which a first module comprises a housingincluding a polymer composition and a conductive metal part integratedin said polymer composition, to provide a structural part of saidhousing, said metal part comprising a flexible lip extending from saidhousing for in an assembled condition electrically contacting to thecommon grounding part of the mobile phone.
 7. The mobile phone of claim1, in which the modules include a camera module.
 8. The mobile phone ofclaim 1, in which the modules include a speaker module.
 9. The mobilephone of claim 1, in which the modules include a receiver module. 10.The mobile phone of claim 1, in which each module includes an interfacewhich is standardized for the respective module.
 11. The mobile phone ofclaim 1, in which the modules are individually upgradable.
 12. Themobile phone of claim 1, in which the modules are individuallyrefurbishable.
 13. The mobile phone of claim 1, in which the modules areattachable and detachable using screws.
 14. The mobile phone of claim 1,in which the modules are attachable and detachable without usingspecialized tools.
 15. The mobile phone of claim 1, in which the modulesare attachable and detachable by a consumer.
 16. The mobile phone ofclaim 1, in which the modules are grouped in clusters according to alikelihood of breaking.
 17. The mobile phone of claim 1, in which themobile phone is a smartphone.
 18. The mobile phone of claim 1, includinga common ground, in which each module comprises a respective housingcomprising a respective cover, with said respective cover comprising anelectromagnetic (EMI) shielding layer comprising a contact end, which inuse is arranged to contact the common ground of the mobile phone.